This 1977 Mercedes-Benz 280SE is a one-owner example which was sold by Beverly Hills Mercedes-Benz and shows 147k miles from new. Finished in Yellow (624) over Bamboo MB-Tex (167), power is provided by a 2.8-liter DOHC inline-six mated to a four-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Factory equipment includes an electric sunroof, halogen fog lamps, an automatic antenna, central locking, automatic climate control, cruise control, power windows and a Becker radio. Recent maintenance includes an oil change, a brake flush, a new sway bar, new spark plugs, an ignition control unit, a new battery and new wiper blades. This 280SE is now offered by the seller with the original Beverly Hills plate frame and a clean California title.
The body is finished in Yellow (624) and wears North American spec impact bumpers with chrome trim accents. Exterior equipment includes an electric steel sunroof, halogen front fog lamps, factory tinted glass, an automatic antenna and a heated rear window. The seller notes that the driver-side doors and rear passenger door were previously repainted. No signs of corrosion are present on the body or brightwork. A new set of wiper blades were recently fitted to the car.
The steel wheels wear chrome hubcaps with paint-matched centers and wear tires measuring 205/70 on all four corners. The seller notes that the tires will need replacement. Braking is handled by dual-circuit power-assisted disc brakes at each corner.
The cabin is upholstered in Bamboo MB-Tex (167) with matching carpets and a contrasting black dashboard which is lined with wood veneer. Cracking can be seen on the dashboard and has been documented by the seller in the photo gallery. Both front seats offer manually-adjustable seatbacks and head rests. Interior appointments include central locking, automatic bi-level climate control, cruise control, electric power windows, a folding center armrest and Becker Mexico cassette player and radio.
The four-spoke steering wheel fronts VDO instrumentation including a 160-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, an analog clock and gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature and oil pressure. The six-digit odometer currently shows just under 147k miles from new.
This W116 is powered by a 2.8-liter DOHC inline-six which uses a CIS injection system and is rated for 137 horsepower and 142 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Recent maintenance included an engine oil change, a brake fluid flush, new spark plugs, a new ignition control unit and a new battery. The seller reports signs of rust in the engine bay.
This 280SE shows just one owner from new and is now offered for sale with the original Beverly Hills Mercedes-Benz plate frame and a clean California title.
A walk-around video has been provided by the seller below.
A fellow enthusiast and collector told us "It's only original once" and while that message was received, it seems to grow stronger with time. Before we get into the legendary reliability and power output of the DOHC M110 straight-six, let's address how gracefully the W116 has aged through multiple generations of S-Classes. From its commanding road presence to the plush seats, there's no denying these classic flagships are more than capable of being driven on the daily more than 40 years since their release. With a timeless design, well-sorted examples, like this 280SE, carry an air of elegance and dignity which is rarely replicated by its modern counterparts. Given its California pedigree, this W116 is sure to provide its new enthusiast owner with many more enjoyable drives for years to come.
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
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19 Comments
Very well-bought.
Yes , it sold. , Thank you everyone. look for my next auction a 2020 E63s wagon, coming up in the next few days.
@PatBateman23 ???
Did it meet the reserve ?
$6,500 bid placed by @Davit97
$6,250 bid placed by @ariotofmyown
$6,000 bid placed by @Davit97
$5,750 bid placed by @ariotofmyown
$5,500 bid placed by @Davit97
$5,250 bid placed by @PatBateman23
$5,000 bid placed by @Davit97
$4,750 bid placed by @ariotofmyown
I lowered the reserve so someone will get a very cool car.
@kingkitty , I wish 6.9s would get soft.
A buddy who has a number of W116s said the market has gotten really soft on them, and watching this, it sure seems like it. Bummer.
@KingKitty , Ryan just posted them.
Additional photos of the engine compartment and underbody have been added to the gallery.
@KingKitty, Send me a dm and I can email them to you. As far is rust. it is pretty much a rust free car. It spent its life in Pasadena, then Santa Ynez. Which are pretty dry temperate climates.
@wahip Unless stated as a “No reserve auction”, I believe all MBM auctions have a reserve.
Engine compartment pictures?
$4,500 bid placed by @PatBateman23
$4,000 bid placed by @mbzsslcls
Is there a reserve on this auction?
$3,750 bid placed by @PatBateman23
@KingKitty , @whiskuz , I just uploaded them. Not sure how long it takes, but I can email them if you private message me.
Just noticed there are no engine compartment or trunk pictures, either. Please post so we can get a better idea of the overall condition. Thanks!
Can you post pics of the wheel wells, rockers, and undercarriage? Is there any rust?
If anyone has any question please let me know. The car was purchased by my friend for his wife at BH MB on Wilshire Blvd in 1977. She was a Professor at USC. It spent most of its life in Pasadena , then about 15 years ago it went to their ranch in Santa Ynez. The car was always maintained to the highest level. It will need tires due to age. I will leave that up to the new owner , as everyone has their taste in brand and style. The tires will set you back approx. $500. Everything works as it should , except the antenna seems to get stuck intermittently. It has original paint except for the top half of three doors. Back in the 1970's and 80's they would paint to fix dents, PDR did not exist. Other than that everything is original.
@KingKitty Thank you for the nice comments.
$3,500 bid placed by @HopOnIt
$2,750 bid placed by @2nd_Chance_Steel
$2,500 bid placed by @ProdigalPetrolHead
Beautiful car, love the color! GLWA!